Ashwaganda is an amazingly powerful herb that is not highly known by many. I have been taking Ashwaganda now daily, for about 8 months and have noticed a significant improvement with my anxiety, my mood, sleep and even my arthritis.

I drink it in my Shakeology shakes, everyday!
Look at how much it gives me daily.

1. Energy boost

When people complain of general fatigue or lack of mental and physical energy and initiative, Ashwagandha is often the first remedy recommended by Ayurvedic practitioners. In fact, what people first notice when they start using an Ashwagandha supplement is a perceptible increase in energy, accompanied by a sense of well-being. It is this effect that has earned it the epithet Indian ginseng. However, unlike stimulant drugs that cause a sudden spurt of energy, it does not result in an overexcited state. What’s more; Ashwagandha does not lead to dependency or addiction.

The energy boost is more balanced, and is usually apparent as an increased ability and stamina to perform normal tasks without tiring easily. Clinical studies have shown that Ashwagandha use results in higher blood cell production and enhanced circulation. Researchers could contribute this to high energy levels since every cell and organ in the body requires a good supply of oxygen-rich blood for optimum performance.

2. Stress/Anxiety relief

This herbal preparation is the best stress buster there is. It reduces anxiety without making you drowsy. Clinical studies have proven the efficacy of Ashwagandha root extract as an anti-anxiety medication time and again.

A 300 gm dose of full strength Ashwagandha was administered twice a day to one group while others were given a placebo. On comparing their serum cortisol levels at the start of the study and after completing a 60-day period of Ashwagandha use, a marked reduction was observed in the group that was given the drug.

3. Restful sleep

One surprising effect of Ashwagandha is that it gives an energy boost whenever it is required, but relaxes the mind and promotes restful sleep when it is sorely needed. In other words, you may find that a morning dose of the herbal preparation provides you with extra energy to go through the day; while an evening dose helps you have a fitful sleep. While this may sound contradictory, it is not difficult to see how a good night’s sleep can make you more energetic the next day.

The sleep promoting effect of Ashwagandha alone is sufficient to make it a popular therapeutic, given the fact that insomnia is a so prevalent in our modern society. The reasons could be stress and strain at workplaces and in relationships, not to mention environmental stress, but insomnia puts us at greater risk of developing metabolic disorders like diabetes and hypertension. People with sleep disorders have been found to have an increased risk of congestive heart failure too. Regular use of Ashwagandha can restore healthy sleep patterns for the benefit of the body as well as mind.

People who took Ashwagandha reported an improvement in nighttime sleep and enhanced sense of well being. The reciprocal effect of stress reduction and sleep is quite clear here. Restful sleep naturally reduces stress levels, while lower stress levels lead to good sleep. Both have an overall positive effect on the body and mind.

4. Mood lifting

Ashwagandha is often prescribed for treating depression. It is known to improve mood without driving the person to the other extreme. That’s why it is particularly useful in treating bipolar disease in which there is alternating of periods of depressive and manic phases.

Antidepressant drugs often push the person into the manic stage, necessitating the use of suppressants. They, in turn, zap the person, resulting in a lack of energy and a melancholic disposition. Ashwagandha, on the other hand, creates a balance and prevents extreme mood swings.

5. Concentration and cognitive abilities

Ashwagandha is usually given in milk to young children to improve growth and muscle tone, especially for those who lag behind others in physical parameters. But, when Ashwagandha was given in small doses of 2 mg to pre-school children for 60 days, it was found to improve their ability to concentrate on learning tasks and assimilate facts at a faster rate. Its potential in treating attention-deficit hyperactivity (ADHD) in school children is being actively explored.

6. Improves memory and reduces brain cell degeneration

Ashwagandha has a long history of being a choice drug of people advancing in age. It is believed to arrest the aging process and associated effects such as gradual loss of physical strength and memory. Recent studies have shown this to be true. For example, a study conducted in mice with Alzheimer’s disease at the National Brain Research Centre showed definite improvement in their memory retaining capacity as well as the ability to learn new tasks with the administration of Ashwagandha extract for 20 days. There was a significant reduction in the amyloid plaques that indicate brain degeneration.

The excellent antioxidant action of Ashwagandha could prevent brain cell degeneration, but some substances in the extract might help the regeneration of neurons and dendrites as well.

7. Blood sugar control

People with Type 2 diabetes can benefit from Ashwagandha supplements as evidenced by several clinical trials. In a study involving 32 diabetics, a significant reduction in fasting blood sugar and HbA1C was observed in 18 people on administering 250 mg of Ashwagandha twice a day for a month.

A laboratory studyon rats has shown that Ashwagandha is capable of reducing blood glucose levels in a dose dependent manner. Both blood glucose levels and HbA1C showed a reduction of 35% to 45% in diabetic rats treated with the root and leaf extracts of the herb at a higher dose of 200 mg/kg of body weight. But the effect was much less in those treated with 100mg/kg of body weight.

The mechanism of action seems to be an increase in insulin sensitivity rather than an increase in the production of insulin by the pancreas. Liver glycogen showed a 150% increase, indicating higher rate of glycogenesis. Another significant finding was an increase in hemoglobin levels.

8. Cancer-protective and holds promise in cancer treatment

The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of Ashwagandha could be partly responsible for this herb’s cancer-protective effect. Ashwagandha leaves are used to remove tumors and carbuncles, and the root extract is used in many Ayurvedic preparations prescribed for treating several types of cancer.

Research conducted at the University of Hawaii in its College of Pharmacy has found that the extract of Ashwagandha root could inhibit cytokines related to cancer development. Another research team at the Louisiana State University has shown how it inhibits the growth of cancerous tumors. A study at the University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute found that it inhibited the migration of breast cancer cells.

There have been several other experimental studies and a few clinical trials in the alternative medicine domain to test the efficacy of this claim, but modern medicine is yet to make use of its chemotherapy potential.

9. Stimulates thyroid function

People with a sluggish thyroid that results in hypothyroidism, as well as those having hyperthyroidism due to an overactive thyroid, may benefit from Ashwagandha.

In the case of hypothyroidism, Ashwagandha use has been shown to increase thyroid function through increasing glucose-6-phosphate function in the liver. On the other hand, it seems to downregulate thyroid function in people with excess blood levels of the T3 and T4 hormones.

In effect, unlike allopathic drugs which have a specific action on glandular function, either stimulating or dampening it, Ashwagandha has more of a modulating and balancing action on the thyroid. However, you should keep a close watch on thyroid function while taking this drug to see how it affects you, adjusting the dosage of any other thyroid medication you are taking.

10. Improves sexual performance

This is one of the historical uses of Ashwagandha that had helped make it very popular. ‘Kama Sutra’ or the ‘Art of Love’ is an ancient Indian text dedicated to the success of human relations. It stresses on the importance of satisfactory sex lives, and prescribes Ashwagandha for enhancing desire, improving performance, and ensuring satisfaction of both partners.

In Ayurveda, drug formulations containing Ashwagandha as the main ingredient are often used to treat impotency, erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation. The aphrodisiac effect of Ashwagandha extends to both men and women, and is meant for strengthening steady relationships, rather than producing a Viagra-like instant fix.

11. Helps resolve infertility and menopausal problems

Ashwagandha strengthens the reproductive system in both men and women through various mechanisms, the most important being stress reduction, and restoring hormonal balance. It has a direct action of several endocrine glands, such as the adrenals and the thyroid, regulating the androgens produced by the adrenal cortex in particular.

In men, drugs containing Ashwagandha are used to improve the quality of semen, increasing both the count and motility of sperms. As per a study reported in the Natural Medicine Journal, young men with confirmed infertility were found to attain a 53% increase in semen volume and 167% increase in sperm concentration on being treated with 225 gm Ashwagandha 3 times a day for 12 weeks.

Ashwagandha is considered a womb cleanser and toner. It eliminates the impurities that stand in the way of conception and strengthens the uterine muscle. It is also used to treat dysmenorrhea and problems associated with menopause.

It should be noted that the drug should be stopped as soon as the woman gets pregnant because it can cause powerful uterine contractions that may result in miscarriage.

12. Arthritis and rheumatism relief

Rheumatism and arthritis are two general terms used to refer to pain and stiffness in the joints. Ashwagandha is traditionally used to treat rheumatoid arthritis resulting from the inflammation of the membranes around the joints. It is characterized by pain and swelling, usually following a period of rest. People with this type of arthritis often have an identifying RA factor in the blood. The exact cause of this condition is not known, but it is thought to be an autoimmune disorder.

The anti-inflammatory and immunoregulatory actions of Ashwagandha may be able to tackle the autoimmune factor, in addition to reducing pain and swelling. People with osteoarthritis resulting from physical damage caused to the cartilage covering the bone joints may also benefit from Ashwagandha’s anti-inflammatory effect.

13. Enhances sports performance

Ashwagandha is popular among bodybuilders and strength trainers since it helps build muscle mass and increase strength and stamina. It is particularly useful for young men undergoing rigorous practice regimens to maximize their performance in competitive sports.

According to a 2-month study, published in 2010 in the International Journal of Ayurveda Research, involving young men aged between 20 to 23 years, 500 mg Ashwagandha extract per day resulted in increased power and velocity compared to those who were given a placebo. It improved their neuro-muscular coordination and increased the muscular strength of lower limbs, two very important aspects of sports and athletics.

What is your passion? Really, think about it?
What makes you feel complete while your in the middle of it all? What makes you smile in your heart and wants you running back for more?

This is what our life journey is about. Finding your passion and following it…and eventually living it everyday.

Herbs have been a passion of mine since college. It has taken me many years to find the correct path to follow. How can I help people with herbs and optimize there health through food, exercise and herbs? I mean, I went to college and studied Graphic Arts and Advertising, I am suppose to follow that path, right?

Well, for now I am (I have bills to pay), but my goal is to help others full-time and focus on my passion. I give it 2 years, yes I have set a timeline. Gutsy, I know, I may not reach it, but I will sure try. If I don’t try, I will never know and that I cannot live with. I would rather try and fail, but I know I won’t! Life’s circumstances have made my time moving forward even more challenging, so with this I fight and push even harder.

The pic below is me vending at my 1st Florida Herbal Conference. This was a BIG deal for me, just getting my feet wet in the herbal community. Now, almost 3 years later and we will be going back again, and I am just as excited and honored to be a part of it! My product line has almost doubled since and I am feeling more confident and educated as ever.

Now, after studying under Joanna Helms and falling deeper in love with herbs since, I have found something that is a part of me. Joanna has laid a foundation in me that can only grow.
She has given me the courage and vitality to follow it, follow my passion.

2016 Florida Herbal Conference – February 26-28 2016http://www.floridaherbalconference.org
So very excited to announce we have yet again been accepted as a vendor at the 2016 Florida Herbal Conference! This year they have moved the conference to the beautiful Retreats by The Lake at Camp La Llanada, in Lake Wales. We are honored and excited to be a part of this amazing event and community of herbalists.

Is night-time a struggle for you? No matter what you do, you just can’t stay asleep? Toss and turn and then all of a sudden, it’s morning? Ugh! THE worst way to start the day!

Here are some great tips to help you rediscover a restful night! First off, sleep is vital and necessary to a healthy body. The average adult today gets 6.8 hours of sleep a night. A recommended 8 hours is suggested to be at your optimal best.

So, what can help you get a better nights sleep?

1 – Exercise – yes, a regular exercise regime will help you sleep better. Make sure you don’t have a night time workout though, or have at least 2 hours between you working out and getting shut eye.

3 – Lessen your screen time. That is a computer screen, phone screen, ipads, etc. Screen time, keeps us up and speeds up our brains. Put them all away at least an hour before you plan to hit the hay!

4 – Stress is one of the biggest factors in our lives for helping us sleep less at night. Try to reduce your stress levels by meditating, having 10-15 breaks throughout the day to breathe deeply. Find a few minutes here and there throughout your days to take a minute to decompress.

5 – Bedtime routine – yes, just like the kids if you have a regular bedtime routine that helps you prepare for a restful sleep, it will help improve your sleep patterns. This can include, a bath, tea, reading, massage, sleep pillows, anything that will help you relax and get some down time. I highly recommend a Bedtime Tea, see my recipe below.

Another great idea to add to your bedtime routine is to spray a little lavender spritz on your sheets and/or pillow before you go to bed. Lavender has a soothing, calming effect to promote relaxation. All of the ideas and recipes above are great for kids as well.

When was the last night you had a full nights sleep? What do you do to try to improve it?

After a long hot summer of sun, sand and chlorine your skin has had enough. Fall is a perfect time for your skin to heal and repair any damage that has been done during the playful summer months. Lotions, handmade soaps, body oils are the usual go to’s for this, but something that is also helpful but often forgotten is a good scrub. Renewing your skin and getting the dead layers off weekly can do wonders for your skin and it’s beautiful glow.

Here at Wildroot Naturals, we create multiple body scrubs that help renew your skin. The benefits are wonderful and include unclogging pores, promoting healthy turnover of skin cells, balancing oil production, purifying the pores of toxins and dirt and smoothing skin tone, creating a radiant, fresh overall look and feel.

Now salt and sugar scrubs are both beneficial to our skin, which you use should depend on your skin type and it’s characteristics. Let me break it down a bit more of the difference between the two.

Salt Scrubs

Salt scrubs are a more abrasive scrub because of their sharper edges and, therefore, do a better job at smoothing the rough skin of the body. Such as knees, elbows, feet, etc. What really separates salt scrubs from sugar scrubs is that they offer therapeutic, mineralization benefits. Most salt scrubs use sea salts, which are natural purifiers that remove the toxins that block the pores of the skin. It helps the skin breath easier, promotes better circulation, tightens the skin and improves skin texture. There are many sea salts used in scrubs including Himalayan, Mediterranean, Hawaiian and Dead Sea Salts. These various salts have different trace minerals, which include calcium, magnesium, potassium, copper and iron. The minerals help to promote circulation, reduce the inflammatory response, and act as a detoxifying agent and general muscle relaxant.

Coarse salt scrubs are good for removing dead skin like on your feet and elbows, and are the ideal treatment for skin detoxification. Since the salt granules work a little harder than the gentler sugar scrubs, salt scrubs are a good choice for where skin can get especially dry and calloused. However, balance is important, so after any salt scrub has been applied and washed off, apply a rich, moisturizing body butter, oil or cream to replenish the skin’s moisture. While salt scrubs are wonderful, they are abrasive, and they are not meant for daily use—once a week is all I would recommend unless you are putting that salt in your bath, where the detoxification properties would work really well internally too! Of course, salt scrubs should not be used on irritated or cut skin because of sea salt’s stinging properties.

Sugar Scrubs

Sugar scrubs are gentler than salt scrubs because the granule is round and therefore doesn’t have any ability to “cut” the skin. It’s a far better choice for sensitive skin types and the only choice for the face. Sugar granules dissolve more easily in hot water, and they are less abrasive than salt scrubs. While sugar scrubs don’t have the mineral benefits of salt scrubs, they are less drying, and many natural scrubs now use natural sugars which contain the nutritive properties of sugar cane. Because of the smaller, finer granules, sugar scrubs make a gentle exfoliant that is suitable for next to all skin types and conditions. The glycolic acid content of sugar is another plus, helping to protect skin against harmful toxins. Vital for the maintenance of healthy skin, this acid works to both condition and moisturize. Even for seriously rough and dry skin, sugar scrubs are great because sugar sizes come in fine, medium and course. But choose your scrubs wisely. Do not use a body scrub on your face – it’s too rough. Sugar also has the benefit of melting as you use it, from the heat of your skin, so you can customize the product based on your personal skin type and need.

No matter which you choose, be it a salt or sugar scrub, used regularly, the skin will become much healthier in function and appearance—better circulation and with a more even skin tone. Once dead skin cells are removed, the largest organ of the body works more effectively to remove toxins and absorb nourishment. With all this a natural glow will come to your skin.

I have found scrubs to be a gift for the feet as well. A nice foot scrub at the end of a long week, is always nice and leaves you feeling like you just left the spa yet only spending pennies on the dollar!

Here is a fun and simple sugar scrub recipe if you are the DIY type.

DIY SUGAR SCRUB RECIPE
1 cup – Fine Ground Organic Sugar

1/2 cup – Organic Coconut Oil
1 tsp. of Vitamin E oil

20-30 drops of essential oil of your choice

Mix well and place into a glass mason jar.

HAVE FUN!

If you are NOT a DIY’er visit here to purchase one of Wildroot Naturals organic scrubs today!

Do you use body scrubs? If so, what do you think of them? How do they benefit your skin?

This time of year is a time of transition. School is back in session, seasons and weather begins changing, sickness starts to linger, sports teams start back up and more. We all have many things in our lives that bring transition to this time of year. It can be stressful for some yet exciting for others.
For me, I feel a bit of both. With two kids in school, homework, conferences and side activities started definitely adding to the stress. However, a change in season and my kids focusing more on there education provides me with excitement. I love the fall season and looking forward to the holidays.
Tea and the act of drinking tea has brought much peace to my life as it can to yours as well. It has a calming effect that overcomes our bodies when we take that first sip. I wanted to share this wonderful soothing tea recipe I created. It is simple and effective in helping through this transition period. It’s the perfect end to our busy days. Enjoy!

Mix all three herbs together and store in a glass jar.

To brew, place one tablespoon of the tea in a tea ball or other strainer, and pour hot water over it.

Add a bit of honey if desired, and take comfort in an evening ritual of soothing tea.

Spring is a great time to plant an herb garden. Thyme should be one of those herbs that are essential to yours. Read on to see what wonderful endless benefits this herb has and what it can do for you and your family.

The Benefits Of Thyme:

Acne:Thyme is effective on Propionibacterium, the bacterium that causes acne. Thyme has a good antibacterial effect compared to benzoyl peroxide present in acne creams and face washes.

High Blood Pressure or Hypertension:Thyme contains an aqueous extract that can reduce blood pressure in hypertensive situations.

Protection from Food-Borne Bacterial:

Essential oils of aromatic plants like thyme can act as a natural preservative for food products. This can protect food from many common food-borne bacteria that lead to human illnesses. Thyme oil is effective for fighting bacterial strains of Enterococcus, Escherichia, Staphylococcus and Pseudomonas genera.

Colon Cancer:Thyme can also protect from colon cancer.

Breast Cancer:Wild thyme shows positive effects on breast cancer activity. This can stop the development of breast cancer cells.

Yeast Infection:Candida albicans is a common fungus that can cause mouth and vaginal yeast infections. This is also known as “thrush” and can be cured with the help of thyme essential oil. This fights off the C. albicans to treat yeast infection in the human body.

Common Skin Problems:Skin problems are the most common in rural and urban areas. Traditional preparations made using the thyme plant are used as an alternative to synthetic medications. The extract of chamomile and thyme essential oil acts as an antifungal agent to heal eczema-like lesions.

Bronchitis:Thyme can be used to get relief from the symptoms of bronchitis like cold, cough, fever and increased production of sputum.

Hair Loss:Alopecia areata can be cured with thyme when combined with other herbs. You can apply lavender oil with thyme, rosemary and cedar wood essential oil onto the scalp to improve hair growth by 44% in just 7 months.

Anti-Inflammatory Benefits:Thyme has anti-inflammatory properties that are useful to cure chronic inflammation of the body.

Fights Off Bacteria:Thyme contains antibacterial properties that can fight many bacteria and fungi varieties like coli. Thyme oil extract is shown to fight against antibiotic-resistant strains of different bacteria.

Breathe Easy:Thyme can improve your respiratory health. It is an orthodox medicine used for treating conditions of the chest and respiratory problems, including coughs and bronchitis. You can drink thyme tea by adding a few leaves to hot water. Allow this to brew and drink it to treat respiratory problems and a cold.

Good Source of Iron:Thyme is a rich source of iron that can give you 20% of the daily recommended allowance of iron for an adult in just 2.8 grams. Iron is required for the production of energy while iron deficiency can lead to anaemia, fatigue and low immunity.

Healthy Bones:Thyme can improve your bone’s health, since this is a good source of Vitamin K, iron, calcium and manganese. These essential nutrients help in proper bone growth, strong, healthy bones and reduce the risk of many bone diseases.

Skin Health:Thyme can fight off the bacteria causing skin acne. Herbs such as thyme are very gentle on the skin compared to other skin products, due to its anti-inflammatory properties.

Antiseptic:The thyme herb has thymol, an essential oil that has antiseptic and anti-fungal properties. The other essential oils found in thyme are carvacolo, borneol and geraniol.

Antioxidant:Thyme has many flavonoid phenolic antioxidants such as zea-xanthin, naringenin, luteolin, lutein, pigenin and thymonin. Fresh thyme herbs contain the highest level of antioxidants among all other herbs.

Stress-buster:Thyme can give you 0.35 mg of Vitamin B-6 or pyridoxine that meets 27% of your daily recommended intake. Pyridoxine helps to keep up GABA levels in our brain and hence is known as a stress buster.

Vision:Thyme has Vitamin A that is a fat-soluble vitamin and antioxidant. This is essential for healthy mucus membranes and skin. This also keeps a check on your vision.

Lung and Oral Cavity Cancers:Thyme is naturally rich in flavonoids such as Vitamin A and beta-carotene. Consumption of thyme can be useful for protection against lung and oral cavity cancers.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids:Drink a cup of thyme tea as it has thymol, which is a potent antioxidant. This increases the level ofomega-3 fatty acids and healthy fats in your brain cells. Thyme oil can also provide protection against age-related changes in your brain cells.

Soothes Coughs:Try a cup of thyme tea, if you have a cold or cough. This is useful to treat bronchitis and relieves cough. This is also used in many herbal preparations for its relaxant and bronchodilatory effects.

Relieves Indigestion:Thyme tea is often advised by herbal healers to aid digestion, relieve gas and bloating. The volatile oils in thyme can reduce gas and act as an antispasmodic to provide relief from intestinal cramping.

Increases Circulation:You can add thyme essential oils to soups and stews. This can be useful to increase the blood circulation in your body.

Provides Energy:Brewed in tea, thyme can energize your whole system and produce a fortifying effect on your nervous system. This can treat physical and mental exhaustion, tension, anxiety, pressure and depression. Modern science uses thyme to act as an energy tonic and an aid for longevity. Thyme’s volatile oils have antioxidant phenols and flavonoids along with vitamins and minerals. These protect your DNA against oxidative damage.

Relaxant Action:

Thyme is useful to get relief from winding and cramping in your stomach and bowels. This is also useful to treat an irritable bowel syndrome, diarrhea and bowel infections. Thyme can re-establish normal bacterial population in your gut.

Healthy Mind:Thyme is being used since ancient times to maintain a healthy mind.

Diarrhea:Thyme is very effective against Shigella sonnei. This is a bacterium that can cause diarrhea. Wash lettuce in 1% thyme oil or thymol to reduce the number of Shigella bacteria. Thyme essential oils are also used as natural food preservatives.

Fever:Hot thyme tea can be sweetened with a bit of honey to lower down fever caused due to perspiration.

Irritable Bladder:

You can drink cool or lukewarm thyme tea for cystitis and an irritable bladder. You can also combine thyme with other soothing herbs like marshmallow and couch grass to clear excess uric acids from your system.

Arthritis and Gout:Sometimes, thyme is also recommended to get relief from arthritis and gout. Thyme can also be used externally. The oil is mixed with warming liniments and lotions to be rubbed on aching joints and muscles.

Mouth Ulcers:Thyme tincture can be added to some water. This acts as a good antiseptic lotion to cure cuts, grazes and mouth ulcers.

Athlete’s Foot:Thyme has anti-fungal properties which is why it is a good remedy to treat thrush and athlete’s foot.

Peaceful Sleep:If you are feeling down in the dumps, thyme acts as a remedy to give you instant relief and ensures peaceful sleep.

Proper digestion:Thyme aids in proper digestion of fats. This is very useful to digest mutton or pork. Thyme also acts as a digestive tonic to increase one’s appetite.

Mouth Health:Thyme oil is beneficial for your body and widely used in many toothpaste, mouthwashes and ointments. This herb is also best for gargle and mouthwash, for preventing dental decay. This is also effective on plaque formation, sore throat, mouth sores, laryngitis, tonsillitis and bad breath.

Skin Problems:Thyme has thymol that has antiseptic properties. This can be used as a poultice to treat insect bites, stings, mastitis, wounds, hookworm, threadworm and roundworm. This is also beneficial to destroy skin parasites such as scabies and lice.

Dandruff:You can use thyme as a hair rinse. This helps to prevent dandruff.

Menstruation:Thyme has antispasmodic properties that give relief to women during menstruation.

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How do I use Thyme?There are many ways you can use thyme to help with these ailments. Tinctures, teas, salves, oils, diffuser and more!There are many suggestions above but if you have a question as to how you should use it for yourself in some way, simply reach out and ask! I am hear to help. Just email me and I will quickly respond.

How Does Thyme Oil Work?

Thyme oil can be used in a number of ways. It can be inhaled, applied topically, or used as a mouthwash. Below are some particular ways to enjoy its benefits:17

Relieve pain – Mix three drops of thyme oil with two teaspoons of sesame oil. Use this mixture as a massage oil and apply on the abdominal area to relieve pain. This may also be used as a massage oil to treat other types of pain.

Alleviate fatigue – Add two drops of thyme oil to your bath water.

Improve sleep – Add a few drops to your diffuser.

Promote oral health – Use thyme oil as a mouthwash by adding one drop to a cup of warm water.

I was researching the web today for harmful ingredients and stumbled upon a website with a great list of harmful ingredients. It provides the weird names we would find in conventional products and the type of product we would find it in. If you want to learn more about how they effect our bodies, there is a great book they offer called “A Consumers Dictionary of Cosmetic Ingredients“. You can purchase one here. I have not read the book myself but it seems that it would have great info, based off what I see from the website. Very helpful information we should all be aware of.

The following is a breakdown of many of the items you will want to stay away from.

PABA:
Originally found in sunscreens but as of late has been removed from many formulations. Still make sure your sunscreen always says Paba-Free.

PEG:
Cosmetics, make-up, and shaving cream.

Artificial flavors:
Many companies use these to make things taste better and more like you would expect (the reason why Sunny D orange juice always tastes the same no matter the season), as well as toothpaste and mouthwash.

Artificial colors:
Used in many processed foods as well as make-up, toothpaste, and shampoos.

Benzalkonium Chloride and Benzethonium Chloride:
Synthetic germicides belonging to the large group of germicides known as “Quats, found in numerous household disinfectants, sanitizers including hand sanitizers and personal care products – long term use may affect immune system, cause asthma and should be especially avoided if you have COPD, or any other form of pulmonary disease.

Aluminum:
Thankfully this is mostly just used in antiperspirants as larger concentrations of it have correlated to Alzheimer’s.

Acetone:
Nail polish remover.

Formaldehyde:
Antiperspirants, nail treatments, and perfumes. The most interesting thing about this chemical is that was used to embalm corpses in the past but even that industry has seen how toxic the use of it was and no longer uses it.

Fluorocarbons:
Hair spray used to have a great deal more of them in it (the reason why it used to make you cough). Recently there has been a crack down on this.

Dioxins:
Shampoo.

Petrolatum or Mineral Oil:
Baby products, washes, and moisturizers.

Sodium Hydroxide:
Soaps and detergents, is a caustic poison and very corrosive to skin.

Triclosan:
Anti bacterial soaps, hand sanitizers and even toothpaste. Its use is so widespread that it is being linked to lowering the immune system and is now being detected in breast milk. (Overuse of hand sanitizers with Triclosan is not good for your children)